Stopped in for lunch on a weekday and had very quick service. Our waiter was very friendly and the vibes in the restaurant were good. It's your typical local Mexican restaurant with colorful decor. I ordered the enchiladas cancun and it was delicious. The shrimp had an amazing flavor, the tortillas were good, and the rice was flavorful. I was not a fan of the beans, they were a little weird, but overall a very good experience! read more

El Meson Mexican Restaurant - Enchiladas Cancun - Mexican Near Me - Lafayette, Indiana

I've been here a few times and this place isnt bad, but not the best. Pros - Atmosphere is typical, locally owned Mexican restaurant, light and fun. - Prices aren't bad for what you get. Cons - Flavor- Food can be good, but have also had a few experiences where it has been pretty bland - Service can be very hit or miss depending on your waiter and the night read more

El Meson Mexican Restaurant - Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Lafayette, Indiana

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Male waiter very rude burrito was very small I could not stand their arrogance. Food tasted very bad read more

El Meson is easily one of the best spots for Mexican food in Lafayette. The food is always fresh, flavorful, and comes out quickly. Portions are generous, and the prices are very reasonable compared to other places in town. The atmosphere is casual and comfortable, and the staff is consistently friendly without being over the top. My go-to dishes are the tacos and enchiladas, but honestly, I've never had a bad meal here. Even the chips and salsa are great. If you want good Mexican food at a fair price, this is a solid choice every time. read more

El Mason catered our wedding rehearsal this past Friday (June 12, 2026), and it was excellent! The ground beef for the tacos had incredible flavor, and all of our guests agreed that everything tasted delicious. We had more than enough food, and the service exceeded expectations. I highly recommend El Mason for any catering needs--you will not be disappointed! read more

good food. TERRIBLE SERVICE. went here with a friend and split the bill. She left over a $5 tip when the entire order was about $20-25. Transaction went from 13.32 to 19.32 because server named Kevin wrote own tip and stole my money. store refused to issue a refund unless I came into the restaurant which is 2 hours away. I was visiting family. Don't go here unless you want robbed! Chimichanga was good but not worth almost $20. read more

El Meson Mexican Restaurant - Chimichanga - Mexican Near Me - Lafayette, Indiana

I would give this place 0 stars if I could. we ordered a margarita pitcher and it was full of gnats. food was cold

Ambiance was good. Food was serviceable but service was so so. Didn't get asked for a drink refill and ordered a margarita frozen and got one over the rocks. The spicy chicken enchiladas are good but the refried beans are very bland. Good but not sure I'll be back. read more

Visited on a Saturday after another place informed us they did not have margaritas at all. The restaurant was clean and the staff was wearing masks. The margaritas were good and the server even told us about a margarita special!! The food portions were generous and very tasty. Warm chips are always a nice touch. It was an overall good experience. read more

Went for lunch around 1:30 pm on Labor Day Monday. There was only 1 man, David, working as hostess, server, taking payments, taking phone calls & order, packing food for takeout, so service was very slow. We were a party of 4 -- 2 teens, 2 adults -- 2 of us ordered a posted lunch special (Lunch Fajita, Lunch Burrito); other 2 ordered off menu. Fajitas were ok, Fish (Pescado) Tacos were ok, Quesadilla with steak had little to no cheese (but menu did have cheese). Came with sour cream on the side. Lunch Burrito was supposed to be Chicken (other option was ground beef); got Carne --- those 2 words don't sound that similar to me, but it was loud so David either misheard or miswrote. Hoping this was just a holiday staffing issue. No restaurant should be having just 1 person running the whole front of house. read more

Unfortunately, the customer service was really poor. When asked for a side item they told us that they do not have nopales as a dish and offered to pay for the sides and they told us that they only had enough for only two plates to cover the night. We also requested for more chips and it did not come till 10 minutes after we requested and it was not busy. We were not satisfied with the food either. They do not have everything that was on the menu available such as the fresh guacamole and gave us like a store bought guacamole. Our server was nice but the head manager was kind of rude when we asked about the side item. read more

I door-dashed El Meson for lunch yesterday. I've lived here a decade and this was my first time trying this place. I wasn't disappointed. As always-pros and cons or my experience. Pros: -Both the chicken and rice were perfectly cooked and seasoned. I was a bit worried bc it was delivery and it had been covered but both were perfect. -The cheese sauce over the chicken and rice was delicious. -The tortillas were soft, warm, and delicious. -Tried the chips and salsa too-very good. Cons: -I would've like a smidge more cheese sauce -I would've liked that to-go tray to have been full-but that's just me being greedy. -when ordering online, the menu just says "tortillas" doesn't say how many. I didn't know if o was getting two or ten. read more

El Meson Mexican Restaurant - Arros con Pollo - Mexican Near Me - Lafayette, Indiana

Been here repeatedly with my girlfriend that food is always amazing as well as the ambiance! Service is great too nothing bad about el meson of Lafayette! read more

The service was great, the food is good I love their Fajitas!! Great value for specific days of discounts

We decided to give this place a try as the reviews looked great. Unfortunately we were not impressed. We each had a house margarita. These were overly sweet with no real flavor. My wife had the veggie quesadilla combo and I had the tamales. We both thought the food was fine but nothing special. The service was fine but nothing to write home about. All in all the entire experience was mediocre. Nothing great but nothing awful. read more

I had David's Special. I want to give this more stars, but I just can't because the food was cold. I had to reheat what I could. The chicken taquito was delicious, as well at the beef taco and chicken burrito! For $15, the David Special is worth it and can easily be shared. Chilli relleno was better than some in town, but needed to be hotter. Free chips and salsa is a bonus! Beans and rice were just ok. I'm glad they are delivering during these hard times, but was still bummed about the flavors. read more

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I have been noticing this place is busy so decided to give it a try. Will definitely come back. Chips, salsa, white queso dip was good, above average. Ordered the Pollo Fundido and it did not disappoint. Could not finish it all, even using the chips to clean up the leftovers. Will try something different next time but I may have found my new Mexican place in town. read more

This is one of our favorite authentic Mexican restaurants. The staff are super. The salsa is delicious & their chicken fajitas (add mushrooms!) are some of the best! read more

El Meson Mexican Restaurant - Juanitos Tacos House Special - Mexican Near Me - Lafayette, Indiana

We enjoy the food here. It is our quick go-to for Mexican in town. Portions are good. Service is quick and efficient. The customer service is great. It is priced right. It is very much Americana Mexican. The chips and salsa are good. I like the fajita. My husband likes the Spicy Cheesey Chicken meal. read more

Good quality authentic Mexican food. I got the "David's dinner" which is basically a sampler, with one of each of their most common items. Favorite out of everything was the Chile poblano. Only gripe I had was that their ground beef for the taco and burrito didn't seem like it had any seasoning, but was okay nonetheless. Definitely recommend. I can almost always finish my plate but I almost think this is impossible read more

El Meson Mexican Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Lafayette, Indiana

The restaurant exterior and parking area look rough. This building was a converted fast food place. Upon entry i was pleasantly surprised. They have the stereotypical gaudy-colored Mexican tables and chairs. The restaurant was just fine on the inside. It did not seem to have a bar. Chips were served warm with salsa. Salsa was a 2/5. Pretty tomatoey - reminded me of Chi-Chis jarred salsa. We ordered guacamole and it was superb. My meal was "El Presidente", which was served on a gigantic platter. It consisted of four different items (though I swore I only thought it was two when I ordered it). Tostaguac, spicy chicken burrito, chile rellenos and I think an enchilada. It also came with a rather large side of both rice and beans. Everything was bland except the spicy chicken burrito, which was all heat no flavor. VERY disappointing spread. Kids both got refried beans...either alone or on a tortilla. Neither ate much. The refried beans were chunkier than they should have been and just not quite what I expect from a authentic Mexican place. I also ordered a diet coke. I was served a gigantic plastic cup that might double for a small pitcher. Wowsers. Given the quantity of food, the prices were right on. But the quality of the food was severely lacking other than the guacamole. read more

My favorite sit-down Mexican restaurant in the region. The staff is very friendly and the service is fast, and accurate; I've never had to send anything back for any reason, which is a rarity these days. The food is absolutely delicious, with very generous portions. I'm slowly making my way through their extensive menu, but their Camarones a la Diabla [Devil(ed) Shrimp], available hot or extra hot, is the dish by which I judge all other Mexican restaurants. read more

Was my go-to place for Mexican when I was at Purdue years ago. Returned recently and it was just as good as I remembered (had the Arroz con Pollo y Camaron). The reviews on here don't do this place justice. read more

I got chicken chimichangas, it came with a full plate of beans and rice. The cheese dip ( I can't spell the right word) was standard but good. The chips were crisp and not greasy. Very good lime margaritas. The restaurant was almost full even though it was 7pm, but it was Friday. Obviously a popular place. I will be back. read more

El Meson Mexican Restaurant - a mexican restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Lafayette, Indiana

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I am repeat customer and I love the place. I usually get same old thing even Cerveza. Waiter name Dave is well know to us hospitality is superb. read more

Great place with a great atmosphere and the food is amazingly delicious. My favorite is the arooz con pollo which is amazing

I'd say this is pretty much the exact same as Little Mexico and El Rodeo. The atmosphere is very bright, festive, and colorful, but the food is the same Tex-Mex, cheese laden, super-sized portions of meat and beans you've eaten at the other places. I gave it two stars because that means "Meh, I've experienced better," and that is exactly how I feel about the food. Other than the food it is clean and the service was satisfactory, so if you like El Rodeo and Little Mexico you will like El Meson. If you prefer authentic Mexican, don't bother eating here. read more

I am a fan El Meson. My in-laws are fans of El Meson. Pretty much everyone I work with is a fan of El Meson. People who thought El Rodeo was a good place like El Meson better. I generally either get the Chimichangas Alcapulco (chimi with beef, shrimp and chicken), the Burrito Gigante (seriously giant and tons of queso), or the Taco Salad (which is made in a giant taco shell not bowl). I think one thing that is lacking is the amount of flavoring in the beef--it needs some more kick however the chicken is much better. You generally get your food quick and it is clean. The prices are good (most dishes around $6). read more

Amazing Mexican food! Still in shock that it is a chain, albeit a small one...I usually avoid chains like the Plague! But...this place is soooo good, the employees are soooo nice, and the plates are huge for the price! Even the teas and soft drinks come in huge glasses! lol The food is really good and the manager takes his position VERY seriously, wanting food that is REAL and GOOD, not cheap or quick. Try the chiles toreados (sp?), grilled jalapenos and onions...wow! Don't do the "Special" platters if you don't have a huge appetite or a strong arm to carry out the leftovers! I particularly love the tamales and tostadas...You can ask for things to be extra spicy, but I find that everything, so far, has been "just right"! It's darned authentic here, even the beans and rice are real! read more

El Meson Mexican Restaurant - Colorful decor tells you you're in the right place! - Mexican Near Me - Lafayette, Indiana

We ate at El Meson last night. The amount of food you get is really good. The prices are very modest. It was full of families having dinner. The waiters were attentive without being intrusive. The food was tasty. So why only 4 stars and not 5? The food was very good in an American/Mexican way, it was not outstanding. The room was very colorful, but in a kitsch kind of way, kind of a poor man's Tiki Room at Disney Land, and not fine dining. If you are a family looking for a nice night out with the kids or parents, this is the place to go. If you are a YUPPIE looking to impress a date, better find more of a top shelf restaurant to go to. This is an add on several months later. We have been back since and my opinion has gone down a little bit. The reason is I had a Chile Rellano and it had American Cheese in it. For me putting American Cheese in Mexican food is the worst thing that can be done. I still like El Meson, and will go back, but this was a real come down for me. read more

One of our fav restaurants and the best Mexican restaurant we have found in Lafayette so far! My husband loves the Chori-pollo and I like the chicken chimichanga. read more

My family and I found this Fantastic Mexican Restaurant last year since my daughter is a student at Purdue. This is our favorite place for really GREAT Mexican food!! If you walk out of this place hungry, YOU'RE LOCO! The portions are HUGE!! The quality is FANTASTIC and the service is AWESOME! Priced very reasonable. I tend to be a bit conservative on food compliments, but you will not go wrong here! Try it, you'll like it! read more

El Meson Mexican Restaurant - My daughter in total surprise that I DAMN NEAR ATE THE WHOLE THING!! - Mexican Near Me - Lafayette, Indiana

Chips and salsa were good but that's about it. Table was sticky when we sat down and we told the waitress, she claimed it was because it had just been cleaned and the sanitizer had left it sticky. It was gross. Ordered a vegetarian lunch special and it came out absolutely drenched in red sauce - red sauce that had almost no taste but still managed to cover up the taste of the rest of the food with its blandness. Tasted like the metal can it probably came out of. Would not recommend. read more

I've been twice this week if that says anything. I had the Carlos Tacos with steak each time. It's simple and done right. The salsa is fresh and the chips hot. My friend did have a house margarita on the rocks and it was bad, but other wise its pretty good. read more

El Meson Mexican Restaurant - Carlos Tacos. All steak. - Mexican Near Me - Lafayette, Indiana

El Meson is great! Almost as good as El Fenix back home! Authentic mexican food, my son loves the arroz con pollo. Muy bueno, and the servers are terrific, and go out of their way! Affordable and tasteful, so far best in lafayette, and that's saying a lot for me, because I have not been too impressed with restaurants in the area, as a lot of them lack flavor. Good job El Meson for keeping the standard high!! read more

Food is ok not bad, avocado is need to have more flavors.. I'm from one of the south western states. So I know what's the good flavor.. I asked waiter to get me more lemon for my water? She said do you want a side order of lemon.. !!!! Really She ask me if the food is good and I was about to say my thought about it, than she answered me as walking by FOOD IS GOOD. Right She wasn't friendly person you can tell she's there for the PAY CHECK only. read more

I tried this restaurant for the first time today. I ordered it through DoorDash and I received it 30 minutes later. The food was still warm and was very delicious. I got the chicken and steak fajita and was very impressed. The steak was juicy and the onions and peppers were perfect! I'll definitely be visiting this restaurant again. read more

Worst. Food. Ever. We waited DAYS for our food and when it showed up the tamale was so burnt I could not even put my fork in it. The rest resembled dog food. Avoid this place at all costs. Just like the Black Plague. read more

El Meson Mexican Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Lafayette, Indiana

The food was fantastic. The prices were incredibly cheap. My family of 6 ate for $56 including desert and the tip. I have been too many Mexican restaurants and this one is in the top two. read more

El Meson Mexican Restaurant - Delicious!!! Five stars. - Mexican Near Me - Lafayette, Indiana

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I ordered through Grubhub & what a disaster - the order was spilling orange grease all inside the bag & the ala carte items I ordered were floating in grease. Gross. read more